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Sunday, October 25, 2009

A one nighter

Hubby and I took another little jaunt last week-end right smack in the middle of downtown Phoenix. It is amazing what you can find it you just look for it. The San Carlos Hotel was built in the early 1900's as noted by the cars in this picture


and is still in business today.

Before checking in we had a nice lunch and a made a trip to the Phoenix Police Museum which was a short distance from the hotel.......and...... took a ride on the Phoenix light rail. This happened to be around 4:00 p.m. and it was amazing to see how many people were utilizing this new mode of travel that eliminates the problem of limited parking down town.

Every floor of the hotel had wonderful old pictures like this and memorabilia from the early days of the hotel. We made dinner reservations at the Italian Restaurant that was on the premises and although we were pretty much the only people there ........... It was absolutely delicious! We sat at a table that looked out to the street and watched as three or four people gathered to offer rides in those bicycle carts. There was a Irish Pub next door that had a fun loving group kicking up their heels and although we were sitting in a very quiet space enjoying a bottle of wine, it felt like we were a part of it all.

The next morning we walked a couple of blocks to a "First Watch" restaurant and had a great little breakfast. The thing that was so amazing is how quiet it was. I guess few people live down town and only go there on the week days for business or work. I noted the rooftop of the hotel as we walked back because they were to have a swimming pool on the roof. As it turned out what I saw was the penthouse that was being remodeled and the pool was actually on the roof of the Irish Pub next door but what a pretty sight!

I almost wished I would have brought my too tight swim suit!

The most amazing thing happened as we stood in front of the hotel waiting for our car to be brought around.....
From somewhere.....The Westminster chimes played and chimed the hour.......
It's the little things that stick with you, don't you know.......... Love our little jaunts.

6 comments:

Michelle said...

I love your little jaunts too! I really enjoy historical buildings. I think they have so much to say and such character in their architecture. Lovely photos.

Mevely317 said...

Oh, I've been curious about the Hotel San Carlos ever since KOY-AM began promoting their Friday night meet-and-greets. 'Kept saying, "Some day" and of course, never got around to it ... darn.

What fun little "dates" you guys enjoy ... and fun for the rest of us to see your reviews!

Nancy said...

Your visit sounds like it was enchanted from start to finish. Hearing the chimes would have made my day.

Chatty Crone said...

I love your visits - with the history and I have a too tight suit too!

JeanMac said...

Sounds like a delightful getaway.

Granny J said...

Speaking of golden oldies... I recall that my uncle (a lawyer) once had offices in the Luhrs Tower.